REPORT ON "Monsoon Hiking To Bishnudwar"

Title :Relation Between Bishnudwar And Kathmandu's Life

Introduction : Jagat Mandir Schhol had organized this educational trip to Bishnudwar for Grade X students. SNNP is the prime source of drinking water for Kathmandu valley. Small rivers and streams discharge about 30 million liters of water per day. The major sources include Nagmati, Bagmati, Syalmati, Bishnumati and their tributaries. Drinking water, irrigation, holy bathing are the major uses of the rivers. We visited the area and came up with this report.

Objectives of the visit : * To know about the origin of Bishnumati River
                                       * To know about the biodiversity within Kathmandu valley
                                       * To know about the actions taken for preservation of river

Methodology:
 Primary methods: direct field observation, direct questionnaire,collection of related expert's opinions.
Secondary methods: study of related books, journals, news papers and internet articles.

Findings : Bishnudwar was above 1550 m from sea level. It was located within the territory of SNNP covering  144 square km. The river originated from Bishnudwar went through many waterfalls and rivulets in order to reach Kathmandu valley and mix up with Bagmati. The hikers and the trekkers were prohibited to contaminate the water with various sign boards within the banks.

We got to know that botanists have recorded 129 species of mushrooms and 2,122 floral species, out of which 449 are vascular and 16 are endemic plants. It also has a large variety of alder, wild Himalayan cherry, Engelhardia and ring-cupped oak. Also, evergreen species of oak and laurel families mixed with rhododendron were also found on northern slopes.

From other surveys Indian leopard, jungle cat, large Indian civet, Golden Jackal, Himalayan Goral, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, rhesus monkey, Hanuman langur, Chinese pangolin, Indian crested porcupine, Indian hare, Himalayan Squirrel and black rat were identified. Ornithologists recorded 318 species of birds including Eurasian eagle-owl, slender billed scimitar-babbler, white gorgeted flycatcher, barred cuckoo dove and golden throated barbet.

Many holy shrines, both Hindu and Buddhist, are located along the Bishnumati river bank. The water that flows past these holy shrines is considered auspicious; it is called jal in ancient Sanskrit language, and this jal is believed to be physically, mentally and spiritually rejuvenating.

Moreover, the beauty of a town or a city is seldom measured in terms of its mass of concrete buildings, but rather in terms of the abundance of river, streams, other water bodies, trees and naturals things.

Considering this, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has newly conceptualized the improvement of Bishnumati River. The highlights of the new concept are: roads on both sides and a cycle track along the river; further beautification of the river with plantations; and prohibition of direct drainage into the river. Furthermore, all the streams will be treated with small treatment plants, the marginal land along the river will be used for urban forest, and the river bank will be built in a special new design with the addition of greenery.



Conclusion and Recommendation:
In conclusion, Bishnudwar is one of the most significant places of our Kathmandu valley. It is a symbol of "keep and be alive" and enhancing the message of protection of environment. From this research as it was also found that all the contribution that was made for the development of this region was done from the side of Nepal Army, it would be a nice treat if the Nepalese citizen would also involve to improve the condition of the Bishnudwar area.

Recommendation:
• A separate governmental department should be established to preserve and endorse Bishnudwar area
• Management of the population residing within the area and their wastage
• Security should be secured to the monk, nun and all the visitors.
• Some information flow programs should be introduced throughout the nation and abroad as well.

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